Substandard Care of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome compensation claims most often arise from failings at the point of initial contact, where an appropriate reaction may save the patient from a lifetime of distress and disability.

Early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome

When a patient visits their GP with the possible early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, it is vital that the medical practitioner recognises the potential for the condition to develop and takes all the necessary actions.

The patient may be exhibiting some of the following symptoms:

• Pain and tingling in one or both legs
• Lower back pain
• Altered sensation in bladder or bowel
• Altered sexual sensation

Failure to respond appropriately

Although the patient may not have and may not develop cauda equina syndrome, this condition needs to be considered when determining the next steps to take as a delay can be disastrous.

• A failure to recognise that these may be the early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome could mean that the patient is told that there is a different explanation, leading to a long delay in acquiring an accurate diagnosis
• A failure to warn the patient to look out for additional symptoms and to attend A&E as a matter of emergency should they develop could mean that the patient’s condition deteriorates to the point where it is less likely to respond well to surgery
• A failure to refer the patient for an urgent or emergency MRI scan may result in a delayed diagnosis and, consequently, delayed surgery. This may lead to a significantly poorer outcome for the patient who may be left with permanent double incontinence and mobility problems
• A failure to test for clinical signs of cauda equina syndrome – such as poor anal tone, loss of sensation between the legs and difficulty raising the leg – may produce a misdiagnosis which could prove catastrophic for the patient.

Prompt Action

It is widely recognised that cauda equina syndrome needs to be diagnosed at as early a stage as possible and often treated surgically as an emergency in order to increase the chances that the patient will recover some of their lost nerve function.

The devastating consequences for a patient who does develop cauda equina syndrome suggest that erring on the side of caution by referring for further investigation when a patient has the early possible symptoms is a better option than waiting to see how the symptoms develop.

Medical Negligence

Where a medical practitioner does not take heed of the possible warning signs and the patient is subsequently left with severe disability due to a late diagnosis and surgery, the GP may be considered to have provided a substandard level of medical care.

Speak to a solicitor

If you have been left with the appalling long-term effects of cauda equina syndrome due to a failure to recognise your symptoms, you should discuss your situation with a specialist solicitor.

Glynns Solicitors is a medical negligence legal practice with a focus on cauda equina syndrome compensation claims. We will be happy to advise you whether it would be appropriate for you to make a claim.

Please call us free on 0800 234 3300, from a mobile click to call 01275 334030 or complete our Free Online Enquiry for a no cost, no obligation opinion.

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